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August 5, 2013

Sculptor Removes Contested Quotation from Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial 
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A sculptor has removed a controversial quotation from the Martin Luther
King Jr. memorial in Washington, D.C. The inscription read, "I was a
drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness," a partial quotation
from one of King's sermons. Here's what King actually said during a
sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia in 1968.

Martin Luther King Jr.: "Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum
major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum
major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the
other shallow things will not matter."

Critics, including poet Maya Angelou, said the shortened version of
King's quotation made him appear arrogant. The completed memorial will
have groove marks in place of the disputed words. It's due to be
finished in time for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington
later this month.

 

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